A sharp glint flashed in Tang Aotian's eyes. He raised his hand to stop Tang Potian again, the warm smile on his face fading somewhat. "It seems, Brother Zhang, that you do not acknowledge the Clear Sky Sect Main Line as the legitimate direct heir of the Mountain-Breaking Hammer lineage?"
He had laid the central conflict-the question of "legitimacy"-directly on the table.
At those words, the temperature throughout the top floor plummeted.
Tang Yue's gaze grew even more profound, pressing down on Chen Zhang with an almost tangible weight.
Ximen Wenlan and Yang Jingxue also stopped whispering and turned toward the heart of the negotiations with interest.
Chen Zhang's expression remained unchanged. Meeting Tang Aotian's and Tang Yue's gazes, he answered unhurriedly, "Brother Aotian, that is too strong a statement. Your sect's Clear Sky Hammer commands awe throughout the continent. Naturally, your sect is a heaven-supporting pillar of the Mountain-Breaking Hammer lineage, worthy of the title. No one can deny your strength."
"As for the Yellow Emperor Tang Family, their long and storied heritage is likewise an indisputable fact. They, too, claim to be the legitimate successors.
"The Clear Sky and Yellow Emperor lineages share the same roots and origins. The Chen Clan has neither the intention nor the authority to judge which of you has the stronger claim."
"In our eyes, both the Clear Sky lineage and the Yellow Emperor Lineage belong to the Mountain-Breaking Hammer lineage. That is enough. What the Chen Clan seeks is cooperation with partners who likewise possess top-tier forging expertise. Nothing more."
"Hmph!" Tang Potian could not hold back a cold snort, clearly deeply dissatisfied with Chen Zhang's watertight attempt to muddy the waters.
Tang Aotian gave Chen Zhang a long look. His opponent's slippery attitude put him slightly on guard.
After a moment's